This Friday our team proudly supported Bravehearts Day, a national campaign dedicated to the prevention of and response to child sexual abuse. This year, we’re not just raising funds, we’re raising our voices to break the silence surrounding one of the most devastating issues affecting children in Australia.
Why Bravehearts Day Matters
Bravehearts work to prevent and respond to child sexual abuse by educating children, providing free and accessible resources to parents and caregivers, and providing specialist counselling, case management, and advocacy.
Their vision is clear – a world where people, communities, and systems all work together to protect children from sexual abuse.
The reason they do it? Because of the following sobering statistics:
- More than 1 in 4 Australians have experienced child sexual abuse.
- Among Australian children who have been sexually abused, more than three-quarters of those children have experienced sexual abuse more than once.
- Approximately 1 in 3 cases of child sexual abuse are instituted by other young people.
- In up to 90% of child sexual abuse cases, the offender is known to the family.
Our Fundraising Efforts
Evolve Legal participated in Bravehearts Day by hosting a staff Morning Tea across our offices to raise funds for this important cause.
We have more than tripled our fundraising goal!
If you would like to help contribute towards our fundraiser, you can donate via the following link: https://www.braveheartsday.com.au/fundraisers/evolvelegal
Every dollar raised goes directly to Bravehearts’ programs, including personal safety education, counselling services, and advocacy initiatives.
Together, we can support Bravehearts to continue their life-saving work and ensure that every child in Australia grows up safe, supported, and heard.
Recent landmark decision
Just this week, the District Court of Western Australia handed down a record-breaking decision in favour of a survivor of childhood abuse. Perth man, Dion Barber, was awarded nearly $3 million in damages after he suffered sexual abuse whilst in the State’s care as a child in the late 1980s and into the 1990s.
The Court found that the State had failed in its duty to protect him, returning Dion to environments where he continued to suffer abuse, despite his reporting the abuse he was suffering.
Judge Linda Black found unequivocally that “all of the sexual abuse alleged by the plaintiff occurred,” in holding the State of Western Australia accountable for the trauma inflicted upon the plaintiff.
Dion’s courage in coming forward and the court’s recognition of his truth marks a significant moment in the fight for justice and the development of case law in the space.
Survivors like Dion deserve not only compensation but also systemic change that ensures no child is ever placed in harm’s way again.
How We Can Help
At Evolve Legal, we understand how difficult it can be to speak up about childhood abuse and the long-lasting impact and trauma that abuse can have on a survivor, as well as their family. The emotional toll is already heavy, and worrying about legal costs can make it feel impossible. That’s why we offer a “No Win, No Fee, No Uplift” retainer to our clients. We also provide a free initial consultation to outline a survivor’s legal options. And unlike some firms, we don’t add any hidden “uplift” fees to legal costs – what we charge is clear from the start, so you won’t be hit with unexpected or unnecessary costs later on. You’re not alone, and we’re here to help you access the justice you deserve.
If you would like to know where you stand, please do not hesitate to contact us to arrange your free consultation.
Posted in: Latest News
September 12 2025
